- Iowa State running back Carson Hansen offers strong betting upside with over 85.5 combined rushing and receiving yards after hitting this mark in three of his last four games.
- The Cyclones should cover the 8.5-point spread at home against Arizona State's backup quarterback Jeff Sims, who struggled badly in his only start this season.
- Both teams' consistent scoring patterns make the over 50 total points an appealing play despite the Sun Devils' quarterback change.
AMES, Iowa — The Iowa State Cyclones host the Arizona State Sun Devils on Saturday afternoon at Jack Trice Stadium in a Big 12 matchup between two 5-3 teams desperately seeking to end losing streaks.
Iowa State enters on a three-game skid after blowing a 14-point lead in a 41-27 home loss to BYU last week. Arizona State has dropped two of its last three contests, including a 24-16 home loss to Houston that saw the Sun Devils score their only points in the fourth quarter.
The Cyclones opened as 5.5-point favorites at places in Iowa to bet on college football props but the line has moved to 8.5 points after news broke that Arizona State starting quarterback Sam Leavitt will miss the game with a foot injury.
Iowa State Player Prop
- Carson Hansen Over 85.5 Total Rushing & Receiving Yards -115
Carson Hansen has been a dual-threat weapon for the Cyclones, surpassing 85.5 combined yards in four of seven games this season. More importantly, the running back has been red-hot lately, hitting this mark in three of his last four contests while averaging 71.4 rushing yards and 13.7 receiving yards per game.
Hansen's versatility makes him particularly dangerous against an Arizona State defense that has struggled to contain multi-dimensional backs. Bovada and other CFB sportsbooks are offering this prop at -115 odds, presenting solid opportunities.
The junior's ability to contribute both on the ground and through the air gives Iowa State offensive coordinator multiple ways to get him touches throughout Saturday's contest.
Spread and Total Best Bets
- Iowa State -8.5 Spread -115
- Over 50 Total Points -105
With Leavitt out, the spread has increased to 8.5 points at -115, and Iowa State should be able to cover at home. This season, backup quarterback Jeff Sims made just 52.6 percent of his throws and was sacked five times during his lone start at Utah.
Throughout the season, both offenses have demonstrated a steady capacity to score. With the exception of a 16-point performance, Iowa State has scored 20 points or more in seven out of eight games. This season, Arizona State has never scored fewer than 24 points in a game.
Both teams should be able to move the ball despite the Sun Devils switching quarterbacks. In what should be a fierce Big 12 contest, those looking into CFB betting sites in Arizona will discover the over at -105, delivering big potential rewards.
In four of their last five games, the Cyclones' defense has given up 31 points or more, indicating that Arizona State's attack can still be effective even with Sims at center. College football prop bets on the total present one of the stronger plays for Saturday's noon kickoff.
